The community builder: Safura’s story

“The burden of providing for the children was heavy on my husband, and I felt helpless. There were days when I didn’t know how we would survive until the next order came.”

Like many women in her community, Safura once relied on seasonal agricultural work, with little security when work was scarce. But through Oxfam’s WEACT programme, things began to change.

“WEACT has really changed my life. The project supported us with shea butter processing equipment which has reduced our shea butter processing time, and a tricycle to carry the shea nuts home.”

With new tools, training and support, Safura has grown her shea butter processing into a sustainable business, alongside plans to expand into soap making. What was once uncertain is now a steady, year-round income.

But the impact reaches far beyond Safura’s own success. Across her community, women are building businesses, increasing their incomes, and gaining greater independence. With improved access to resources, training and equipment, families are not only earning more but sharing responsibilities more equally at home.

“To the WEACT project I say thank you. You have given us tools, knowledge and confidence. We will use them not just for ourselves, but to help other women rise too.”

As a business owner and leader in her community, Safura is part of a growing movement of women creating lasting change – supporting one another, strengthening livelihoods, and building more resilient futures together.

By leaving a gift in your Will to Oxfam, you can help more women like Safura gain the tools, skills and confidence to transform their futures – and support others to do the same.

Because when women come together, whole communities can thrive.

Find out how you can leave a gift in your Will, or talk to our gifts in Wills team.